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Ford builds and sells most 15 passenger vans
in the U.S. These fifteen-passenger vans are
widely used by schools, churches and community organizations
to drive groups of people to outings. Models include:
the Ford Econoline or E-Series, such as the Ford E350
and Club Wagon E350, the Dodge Ram Wagon B350 and Ram
Van/Wagon B3500, the Chevrolet Express 3500 and the
GMC Savana 3500 and Rally/Vandura G3500.
The rollover risk of 15 passenger vans is exceptionally
high and has contributed to hundreds of serious injuries
and deaths. On June 1, 2004, Dr. Jeffrey Runge,
head of the U.S. Department of Transportation's National
Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), issued
a warning to users of 15-passenger vans because of an
increased rollover risk under certain conditions. Similar
warnings were issued in 2001 and 2002. When filled with
passengers, or driven above 50 miles per hour, the vehicles
become substantially more unstable than SUVs or pickup
trucks. Large vans are five times more likely to roll
over when filled than when only the driver is in the
vehicle. The greater passenger weight in a fully loaded
van raises the van’s center of gravity and shifts
it toward the rear. As a result, the van has less resistance
to rolling over in an accident or emergency situation.
Placing any load on the roof also raises the center
of gravity and increases the likelihood of a rollover.
The NHTSA found that eighty percent of those who died
in 15-passenger van rollovers nationwide in the year
2000 were not wearing their seatbelts.
If you or a loved one has been
seriously injured in a 15 passenger van rollover accident,
contact our lawyers today for a free, confidential case
evaluation.
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